By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered troops to adopt a more aggressive posture and stamp out terrorists wreaking havoc in Plateau State and other states.
Gen Lagbaja stated this during an operational tour to Plateau, following a fresh wave of violence in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State that left over 30 persons killed.
“Go hard on those disturbing the peace of the Plateau and neutralize any terrorist annihilating people and burning or destroying property and other economic valuables,” the COAS was quoted in a statement by the army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu.
There have been recurring attacks in Mangu LGA of the state, leading to loss of lives and property.
The army chief said Plateau’s security dynamics are complex due to its political background as well as cultural and economic sentiments.
Lagbaja also inspected the arms and ammunition recovered by the troops and commended them for not allowing the crisis to escalate to other parts of the state.
He expressed confidence in the troops to “leave no stone unturned in ensuring that peace is restored” in Plateau and other parts of the country.
“Our operations and activities must comply with the rules of engagement and devoid of sentiments,” Lagbaja said.
The COAS stated that he was aware of the difficulty and challenges confronted by the troops, as they legitimately carry out their duties, particularly, some of the weighty allegations being touted against them.
He called on the troops to remain disciplined, dutiful, responsive, and responsible, adding, however, that the full weight of the law would be brought down on any personnel found compromising.
Lagbaja also paid a courtesy call to the Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, thanking the government and people of Plateau State for their effort in ensuring peace reigns on the Plateau.
He explained that a marching order had been handed down to troops to enforce law and order sternly and to be decisive in tackling the security situation on the Plateau. He concluded that peace must reign on the Plateau and other troubled parts of the country.
On his part, Governor Mutfwang disclosed that he had never doubted the capability of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to deliver on their constitutional mandate.
